Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman has welcomed the appointment of Melissa Parke as the new Chair of the WA Museum Board of Trustees.
Ms Parke has more than 30 years of experience working in Australian and international law, politics, humanitarian affairs and human rights. She was the Federal Member for Fremantle from 2007 to 2016, including periods serving as Minister for International Development and as Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health, Homelessness and Social Housing.
Ms Parke has been a board member with the WA Museum since 2020 and replaces retiring Chair Emeritus Professor Alan Robson.
Joining Ms Parke on the board is Associate Professor Daniel McAullay, Director of Aboriginal Research at Edith Cowan University.
A/Professor McAullay has 30 years of experience working in health research, policy and practice. He is currently Director of the Board for Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, Board Member with the Child and Adolescent Health Service, and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia.
Acting Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Lanie Chopping also takes up the position of ex-officio Trustee. She replaces recently retired Director General Duncan Ord who presided over the development of the new WA Museum Boola Bardip.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"I would like to thank Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO for his role leading the board for the WA Museum for the past nine years. Over this period Western Australians have enjoyed incredible exhibitions and programs at the museum's six locations.
"We have seen more than 500,000 people visit the stunning new WA Museum Boola Bardip and the museum has been recognised with a range of international, national and local awards for the building design, content and research. Alan's role leading the board and supporting the museum's executive and staff is to be commended.
"I also pay tribute to Duncan Ord for his contribution, particularly for the project to create the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
"I would like to congratulate Melissa Parke and A/Professor McAullay on their appointment to the WA Museum Board. I look forward to working with all board members to build on the success of the WA Museum, and to continue the development of a vibrant and active culture and arts sector in Western Australia."
